Sunday Reflections: Preparrations Have Begun for the Return of the New School Year

Unbelievable at how quickly summer vacation is drawing to an end for St Louis kiddos.  Most area students will be returning to classrooms in just a couple of weeks leaving us parents the daunting task of reinforcing bedtimes and hectic school shopping.  As we rearrange our focus from summer fun activities to school activities, here are a few helpful tid bits I use every year in making the transition back to school days:

1. Bedtime for my kids has always been 8:30, but during summer I waive that rule.  Tonight began the first night of unwinding earlier with the hopes of 8:30 being the norm again in just a few days.  Same goes for waking up! Starting earlier is better when it comes to a child's routine and making changes.  Everyone will be happier on the first day of school!

2. Back to school shopping began a couple of weeks ago, but most of it will be completed during the Tax-Free holiday starting next week in most areas.  This is a great time to stock up on uniforms, supplies, shoes, and perhaps even a couple of electronics that you have been holding off to get.  Visit http://dor.mo.gov/business/sales/taxholiday/school/
for all the details and dates.

3. Organizing school items is done one week before school begins.  Backpacks packed, uniforms put in their proper place, lunchboxes out and ready for use.  I also try to ensure that the kiddos get a mini room makeover by sprucing up their desks with new accessories (whatever their newest interest may be) and reorganizing to eliminate some of the clutter they have accumulated over the summer months.  This becomes an excellent opportunity to donate old clothes, unwanted books, and even toys.  Organization plus doing a good deed = AWESOME!

4. We also make a summer memory book the weekend before school starts.  Pictures, postcards (we buy postcards at every place we go to but never mail them lol), summer flowers, all get meshed together and it has become a great way to help the kiddos transition - they look over the completed book and eagerly begin discussing which of their friends they can't wait to tell about their great summer!

5. Refresher course: summer is such a carefree time, I often let a lot of things slide as well as my husband, and this is not always the best idea.  The kids some how become tyrants over summer, dictating everything from bedtimes to what they are going to eat for breakfast! Reminding them of school day routines, school rules, and homework habits usually helps to lasso in their summer wildness. 

What are some of your back to school preparation rituals?  Leave a comment and let me know!

Events this week:

Birds in Concert August 4th 7pm-8:30pm
Description: "The Raptor Project" house band performs their hit children's songs while birds fly above your head!
Location: Wild Bird Sanctuary 125 Bald Eagle Rd Valley Park, MO 63088
Cost: FREE
website: www.worldbirdsanctuary.org

Free Family Fun Day August 6th 10am - 4pm
Description: Celebrate the grand reopening of the Delta Dental Theatre with several family fun events, characters like Dora and Spongebob, and more.
Location: Corner of First & Lucas streets (down the street from the theatre)
website: www.ddhtstl.org

Also, check out www.kidsinstl.com for great deals on 'kids eat free' locations, events, and tips!

Coupon & Sales Match Ups for July 31st - August 6th

Saturday: early edition paper was waiting for me when I returned from my morning shift at work, looking bulkier than it has all summer long, and to my surprise it was overloaded with COUPONS!! 4 inserts to be exact! The joy on my face was evident, the kiddos must know my "time to clip" gaze, they ran and hid instantly.  Not because I ask for their assistance, but because the living room floor becomes coupon cutting central for the next hour or so, today make that two hours :)

Here are the deals I compiled for this weeks sale ads:

Office Max:

$0.01 twelve inch wooden rulers (limit 2)
$0.01 twenty-four pack of Schoolio Crayons (limit 2)
$0.50 Composition Books (limit 4)
$0.50 Glue sticks bonus packs (limit 3)
$0.10 Dixon 10 pack pencils (limit 2)
Expo dry erase markers B2G2

Walgreens:

$0.39 1 Subject notebooks/6 pack Papermate Highlighters
$0.59 Filler paper/12 pack colored pencils
$0.11 Wexford 2 pocket folders (limit 6)
Lipton tea bags 2/$5 WAGS SC + use $.40 MNFC = $4.60
Swiffer Wet Jet Starter Kit $18.99 + use $5 MNFC = $13.99 + FREE additional Wet Jet Cleaner Solution ($5.49 value)
Tide Stain Release $3.99 + use $0.50 MNFC = $3.49
Downy Liquid Fabric Softener $3.99 + $0.50 MNFC = $3.49
Pencil box $0.59 w/ SC
Fiskars Scissors $0.79 w/ SC
Penway or Wexford Pencil top erasers/2 pack pink erasers $0.29 w/ SC
Rubbermaid TagAlongs $1.99 buy 2 + use $1.00/2 MNFC = $2.98
Crayola Washable Markers $2 + $2 RR = FREE
Nivea Body wash $5.99 + $2 RR + $2 MNFC = $1.99
Oral B Advantage toothbrush & Glide Floss 2/$5 + use $0.75 MNFC Floss + $0.75 MNFC toothbrush = $3.50
Scope Mouthwash & Crest Complete w/ Scope toothpaste 2/$6 + $3 RR + $0.75 MNFC on mouthwash + $0.50 MNFC on toothpaste = $1.75
Tampax Pearl $6.99 + $2 RR + $1.00 MNFC = $3.99
Crest Pro-Health Mouthwash $3.99 + $1 RR + $2 MNFC = $0.99
Allegra Allergy $6.99 + $6.99 MIR (mail in rebate) = FREE
Cottonelle 12 rolls $5 + $1 instant in store coupon = $4
Goody Colour Snap Clip $2 + $2 RR = FREE

Walmart:

$0.20 1 Subject Notebooks
Listerine $3.97 + $1 MNFC = $2.97
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief $4.47 + $1.50 MNFC = $2.97
Clean & Clear Cleanser $4.47 + $1 MNFC = $3.47

Target:

Tees & Tanks $5
6 pack Elmer's Glue Sticks $1

CVS:

Gillette Fusion ProGlide $9.99 + $5 EB + $4 MNFC = $0.99
Skinny Cow Single $0.99 + $0.99 EB + use MNFC B1G1 = 2 for FREE
Bounce Dryer Bar $3.99 + $0.50 MNFC = $3.49
Puffs $0.88 buy 3 + use $0.25/3 MNFC = $2.39
Dawn $0.99 + $.50 MNFC = $0.49
Vaseline $4.99 + $1.50 MNFC = $3.49
Dove Men Care $5 + $1 MNFC = $4 (good towards free gas deal)
Dove Visible Care Body Wash $6 + $1.25 MNFC = $4.75 (good towards free gas deal)
Oral B Action toothbrush $5.99 + $3 MNFC + $1 EB = $1.99
Gillette Body wash $3.49 + $2 MNFC = $1.49
Q-tips $1.99 + $0.30 MNFC = $1.69
Bic Soleil Razor Starter Kit $5.99 + $3 EB + $2 MNFC = $0.99

Super Cuts $5 Value Card (coupon) good towards any product or service

I am working on a new way to streamline all the codes and discount descriptions for each individual store and hope to have it in place by Tuesday when the grocery deals will be posted.  Meanwhile, please feel free to comment if the "coupon code" is overwhelming and I will be happy to explain it in a more descriptive way. Also, Check my "Welcome to Thrifty StL Mummy" post, it contains tons of information to assist you in reading the weekly deals :)

More deals updated all week!

Elvis at The Ivory!

Had to take a moment today and share this information about an upcoming event for any fellow Elvis lovers out there plus this guy is really good and totally worth a night out! I'll be there, will you?

Live @ The Ivory presents Elvis Tribute Artist Tony Witt 2009 & 2010 Finalist Elvis Presley Enterprises' Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest For Two (2) Nights Only

August 5 & 6 Showtime is 7:00 pm General Admission Tickets - $22 per person in advance / $25 per person at the door. Special VIP (TCB) Package - $59 per person (Includes pre-concert reception, reserved seating in the Ivory Tower, and more). (Reception held in the Ivory Tower from 5:30 to 6:45pm both nights) 

This Weeks Grocery Deals and Which Coupons to Match with Sales!

Tuesday's grocery sales rundown:

Stores: 

Aldi
Shop n Save
Dierbergs
Schnucks


Aldi's:
Cherries $1.99 lb
Red Grapes $1.99 2 lbs
Strawberries $0.99 lb
Baby Carrots $0.59

Dierbergs:
*Pick any 3 packages with "yellow dot" stickers for only $5 ea!
Perdue fresh ground turkey 3lbs 
Tenderbird Chicken Breast 3 lbs
Perdue Fresh Whole Chicken
Perdue Jumbo pack Chicken Drumsticks
Boneless Pork Country Style Ribs
Lemon Pepper Tilapia

Whole Seedless Watermelon $3.98
Fiber One deal: 4/$10 - mix and match on Fiber One Cereal, Granola Bars, or Brownies + use $0.75 Fiber One 90 Calorie Brownies MNFC + $0.40 Fiber One Chewy Bars MNFC + $0.50 Fiber One Cereal MNFC + $0.75 Fiber One 80 Calories Cereal (whew that was alot lol) = $7.60 + Dierbergs gives you a free box of the New Fiber One 80 Calories Cereal or the new Fiber One Brownies, 5 Fiber One products for $1.52 an item! 

Special K cereal $2.49 + use $0.70 MNFC = $1.79


Schnucks:
Post Cereals 3/$6 + use $1/2 MNFC = 3/$5 and these boxes have free kids admission tickets to Six Flags inside, bonus!! :)

Hillshire Farm Smoked sausage $1.99
Birds Eye Steam Fresh Vegetables 4/$5
Eckert's Peaches $1.48 lb

Shop n Save:

Sweet Corn 3/$0.98
Watermelon (not seedless) $3.48
Land O Frost Shaved lunchmeat $3.50 + use $0.55 MNFC = $2.95 e
Oscar Mayer Bologna 2/$4
General Mills Deal: Save $4 instantly @ checkout when you buy any 4 participating GM products. Cheerios 2/$5 + use $1/2 MNFC = 2/$4 , Chex Mix 2/$4 + use $0.50 MNFC = 2/$3.50 for a total of $7.50 - $4 off @ checkout = $3.50!!

Great deals this week, happy shopping!

Tuesday Contest Time! Help Spread the Word and Win a $25 Gift Card!

Happy Tuesday fellow mums! Today is the start of our weekly contest (yes every Tuesday we will host a new contest for you!) and is all about helping spread the word out about Thrifty Stl Mummy! The contest will slightly differ from our facebook page, in where your focus is to simply share our blog to attract new followers.  Simply send me a message on how you shared our link (your fb page or your blog) and you will be entered to win a $25 gift card for either Walgreens, Target, or Walmart! You can praticpate in both contest for our facebook page and our blog, but remember to view the details on our facebook page about how to get credit for new "likes".

The contest starts today and ends Friday at 10 a.m. with a winner announced at noon! Thanks for helping and good look!

Sunday Reflections: Attack of the Heat Wave of 2011

Yikes it is HOT! For the past week temperatures have topped 100 degrees here in our wonderful city, but it looks like we will be blessed with a bit of relief today and Monday. Finding things to do during this heat wave have been harder than in previous years, mainly because most indoor activities at area venues now charge.  Creating new ideas on ways to stay cool started with the same philosophy as what to do on rainy days - use your imagination and start at home.

On a rainy day, you might stay home and let the kids do crafts or play video games.  On an extremely hot day you probably find yourself doing the same.  But during prolonged periods such as the current one, staying home leads to boredom! You start running out of fascinating stories to tell, forts to build, crafts to make, and your sanity.  So what are some of the great places you can go with the kiddos without breaking the bank?

The Art Museum and History Museum in Forest Park are both free venues great for a family day and they are air conditioned! Another great idea is to take advantage of the free Summer Movie Series at local theaters.  Wehrenberg Movie Theatres offer family friendly movies for free.  Also, public libraries are a great way to spend a hot afternoon.  They offer tons of activities for children including story tellers and scavenger hunts.  Here are links for each of these venues for further details:

www.slpl.org

www.wehrenberg.com

www.slam.org

www.mohistory.com


Always remember that heat waves too shall pass and summer doesn't last for ever so we better enjoy it while we can! St. Louis is famous for it's crazy weather, soon we will be complaining about digging out of a blizzard...

I also wanted to touch base on the safety issues that we sometimes overlook during extremes of summer.  The American Red Cross offers great guidelines and tips are their website to ensure everyone has a great and safe summer: www.redcross.org

Just to point out a few; 1. Drink plenty of water! Stay away from sodas and other beverages that will actually make you more prone to dehydration.  Water is the best! 2. Apply sunscreen even on days when the sun is not as prominent in the sky, especially when you are swimming.  Water reflects the suns rays causing even more damage to exposed skin in a shorter amount of time, be sure to reapply sunscreen every thirty minutes as well. 3. Check on your neighbors, sometimes just asking them how they are handling the heat will get them to open up if they need help, especially the elderly.  If you do know someone who needs assistance with either an air conditioner or transportation to a cooling center, contact the United Way or your local American Red Cross chapter.  4. Keep an emergency kit in your car.  If you break down somewhere in this heat and have to stay with your vehicle even for a short time before help arrives it could be harmful to your health.  Bottles of water, cooling packs, and sunscreen. It's also important to have an emergency kit prepared for your home in the event of power outages. Here are some great tips to help you prepare now prior to an event like this happening:

1. Make your own ice packs. Fill up a few large freezer bags with water and place them in the freezer. 

2. If you take any medication that needs to remain cold such as insulin, make sure you have a small cooler available.

3. Have a back up way to charge cell phones or have a land line.  Magic Jack is a great way to ensure you have a land line in times of emergencies as well and is inexpensive.

4. Have bottled water and light food (foods not high in protein) together.  You want to stay well hydrated and eat lightly.

Again, the heat fades away with the seasons, so here's to enjoying the summer while it lasts, safely!

Deals:

Target Sales: good thru 7/31

Sterlite pencil boxes .50 ea
Licensed folders .80 ea
Cherokee Polo tees (think school uniforms) $7 ea
HP All in One Printer $29.99

CVS Pharamcy Deals:

Spend $30 on selected marked merchandise and earn $10 in Free Gas!
B1G1 Edy's Ice Cream 48 oz
Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal 2/$4 + use $1 MNFC = 2/$3
Papermate Grip Pens $1.99 + get $1.99 EB = FREE
Palmolive 10 oz .99 + .25 MNFC = .74
1 subject notebooks 4/.99
Kleenex on sale for .88 ea, buy 3 + use .50 MNFC = $2.14

Walgreens:

M&Ms 1.1oz - 2.17 oz on sale for .49 ea, buy 2 + .75 MNFC = .23
WAGS Brand pantyliners 2/$1
Yardleys bar soap .69 SC
Soft Soap Body wash $2.99 + .75 MNFC = $2.24
Skintimate or Edge shave gel $1.99 + .55 MNFC = $1.44
Speed Stick deodorant $1.99 w/ SC + .50 MNFC = $1.49
Loreal Eversleek, Everpure, or Everstrong hair care products $5.99 + $2 MNFC = $3.99
Irish Spring deodorant & body wash 2/$6 + $4 RR + $1 MNFC on deodorant + .55 MNFC on boy wash = .50!

Check out www.my-backtoschool.com for more great coupons!

Events:

7/24 - Missouri Botanical Garden
description: free admission to the garden and children's garden in honor of Henry Shaw's birthday.
cost: FREE

7/28 - St Louis Art Museum
description: Join us in the galleries for a lively and informative discussion with Janeen Turk, Senior Curatorial Assistant. Space is limited in smaller galleries; please arrive early. Talk meets at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday and then repeats at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Meet at the Information Center.
cost: FREE

7/29 - Laclede's Landing Summer Concert Series
description: Blues singer Kim Massie takes the stage from 4:30 - 8:30pm.
cost: FREE
www.lacledeslanding.com

7/29 - Sunflower Days
description: A Plein Air painting event in Historic Clarksville, MO. Come watch the artists paint our beautiful sunflowers, vote for your favorite, enjoy artisan shop specials and local eateries. See our Facebook page at Sunflower Days for more information. 
cost: FREE for most everything besides shops and eateries
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=131949060216055

7/30 - Wings of Hope 2nd Annual "Hope Floats"
description: Handmade Viking ships, Italianesque gondolas and cardboard biplane boats - you won’t want to miss the 2nd Annual “Hope Floats” event to raise money for 2011 Nobel Peace Prize nominated Wings of Hope. The event is free to the public and proceeds from registered race participants and sponsors benefit the St. Louis Medical Relief and Air Transport Program, which Wings of Hope operates to transport critically ill children to essential health care provided in St. Louis. More than 100 participants will put their boating skills to the test and see if they can navigate their homemade vessels around Grand Basin.
cost: FREE
www.wingsofhope-boatrace.org


7/30 - St Louis Open Casting Call
description: NOWCASTING
Do you have what it takes to host your own show on Food Network?

Date: Saturday, July 30th
Time: 10am- 2pm
Location: Sheraton St. Louis City Center
400 S. 14th Street
St. Louis, MO 63103

WHAT TO BRING
NOWCASTING
Application
2 photos of yourself
Resume
Do you have what it takes to host your own show on Food Network?

If you can’t make it to an open call, please visit us at www.FoodNetworkStarCasting.com for details
on how to submit a home video! For questions please e-mail us at fns8StLouis@gmail.com.
For information about the show please go to www.FoodNetwork.com/Star.
Please read the Rules & Eligibility Requirements (found on the “Rules and Eligibility” page) before applying. Applicants must (a) be a US citizen or permanent
legal resident with the unrestricted ability to work in the U.S. and (b) be at least 21 years of age.

7/30 - Bye Bye Liver at Maggie O'Briens
description: Bye Bye Liver pulls from a grab bag of alcohol-infused sketches interspersed with participatory drinking games. The result is a comedic cocktail that has proven a hit with the palette of St. Louis’ partiers young and old.
Maggie O’Brien’s house band Bangers and Mash will provide post-show entertainment as actors mingle with friends and fans until the wee hours at their weekly cast party.
cost: $14
www.byebyeliver.com/st.louis


7/30 - Help Friends of Kids with Cancer
Description:
Friends of Kids with Cancer, an organization that provides recreational, educational, and emotional support to kids battling cancer and their families in St. Louis, has been chosen as a finalist in Toyota's 100 Cars for Good Program. Toyota is giving away a brand new vehicle to 100 charities, and Friends of Kids with Cancer needs your help! Our voting day is Sunday, July 24th, 2011. Please visit www.facebook.com/toyota to cast your vote! Friends plans to use the van to transport toys, games, and other gifts to the families in treatment centers.

Contest & Sweepstakes:

The Land Of Frost Marvel Superfan giveaway www.landofrost.com

100 Days of Sunny Moments giveaway www.feelthesoleil.com

Are Dollar Stores Really Worth the Effort?

I received an email this evening asking what my thoughts are about dollar stores.  Honestly, I think they are a great gimmick, if you don't know what the gimmick is!

Most "everything's a dollar" stores lure you in and offer their shoppers a wide range of goodies.  Health and beauty supplies, check.  Snacks and cleaning supplies, check.  Toys and other gadgets, absolutely!  But have you ever bought one of these dollar gadgets only for it to break shortly after using it the first time?  So the real question should be, are dollar stores offering you real quality merchandise for your bucks?  Sadly, no. 

With that being said, I do have a few good points to bring up as well.  One, they are great places to find craft supplies, party supplies, and paper products.  Occasionally I even buy aspirin, toothpaste, and candle holders.  These are all items we go through quickly in our home and if I can get them for a dollar or less, great! 

Now back to the gimmick.  The sound of it's only a dollar leads you to think you are getting a better deal when in fact you are getting a smaller quantity of the product and not as high quality of a product.  Not to mention you have to check expiration dates on everything!  Yes, you should do this anyway, but most of their stock are items that are close to or past the expiration date.  In the end, most would say to completely avoid these types of stores.  I say, go if you are needing poster board or glue sticks.  Or if you need a birthday card or perhaps educational workbooks for the kids.  Just remember - you get what you paid for!

School Shopping Already??

It's hard to believe the kids will be returning to school in next month especially with the heat of summer bearing down on us city folks in or concrete jungle! But indeed, it is quickly approaching and any thrifty mummy (or person w/ kids) knows the time to start back to school shopping is now.

Whether you are preparing to send your youngest to preschool or oldest to college, the list is usually long and demanding.  The cost has gone up on everything including our schools during this financially strapped time, and we as parents have to step up to ensure our rugrats have everything they need from new Converse sneakers to pencils and paper.  The back to school sales have already begun at most area stores as well making it an excellent time to stock up!

So every Wednesday from now until August 17th I will post the best back to school deals in StL, also be on the look out for back to school fairs that offer free supplies for area students!

Deals of the Day: School items and great deals on everyday items

Dollar General: sale July 17th-24

2 for $1 on Mead Trapper Folders, Portfolio 1 subject notebooks, Bic Stic Pens 24 ct

$3.50 Purex 3 in 1 laundry sheets

3 for $5 on Lysol Products

Office Max:

$0.25 Schoolio Crayons 24pk - limit 3
$0.25 OfficeMax Zippered Binder pockets - limit 3
$0.75 Schoolio Composition Books - limit 5
$0.01 (yes 1 penny) OfficeMax filler Paper - limit 2
2 for $5 Expo dry erase markers/Crayola markers, pencils, crayons/5 subject notebooks
2 for $3 Avery glue sticks/index cards/5" scissors/3 subject notebooks
$1 ea 3 pk Papermate erasers/Sharpie Yellow Highlighters/1 subject notebooks

Target:
$0.50 Mead Five Star poly folders/scotch tape
$1 ea Westcott Soft touch ruler,compass, or protractor

Walmart:

$0.92 1" economy binder
$0.75 filler paper
$0.40 composition book
$0.94 dixon no. 2 pencils
$0.20 1 subject notebooks
$0.97 crayola crayons, colored pencils, or markers

Walgreens:

$0.09 Penway or Wexford 2 pocket folders - limit 4
$0.39 1 subject notebooks
$0.19 penway pencils

CVS:

B1G1 Sharpie fine point markers
2 for $1 papermate pens
B1G1 mechanical pencils or composition books

School Uniforms are already on sale at JcPenny's and Target! Check back soon for sale prices!


Also - be sure to follow me on Twitter @thriftystlmummy - instant updates on sales, freebies, and tips everyday!

Upcoming Thrifty StL Mummy contest will begin next week, July 26th, be sure to check back for details!

FREEBIES:

Earthbound Recycling is giving away more usuable latex paint! Great way to score paint to help complete some crafty tasks and help the environment!

www.earthboundrecycling.com

Visit Shout's facebook page for a free sample

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/shoutlaundry?sk=app_6009294086


Shoe Dazzle offer; buy one pair of shoes get the second pair free!
www.shoedazzle.com

Missouri State Parks Offer Great Opprotunites to Make Lasting Family Memories

The current heat wave affecting the majority of the states has somewhat impaled our summer plans.  Trying to come up with new ways to stay cool everyday without the kids screaming "I'm bored mom!" has me a little ruffled in the idea department.  We finally took a day trip to St. Joe State Park where they have several lakes, 2,000 acres dedicated entirely to off road vehicles, hiking trails, and a wonderful beach area near the largest lake - Monsanto - that includes a picnic pavilion and volleyball net.  Our only intention this particular trip, SWIMMING!

St. Joe is located in Park Hills Missouri, about an hour outside of the city off highway 32.  It is free to swim, only cost to us was the gas to get there and back, we packed a cooler with water and lunches as well as some other "beach day" snacks.  The kids brought plenty of floaties, shovels, and sand buckets. I'd also recommend swim shoes to help protect little feet from the hot sand.  The park does offer a change house and restrooms, but no running water.  So be prepared with extra bottles of water for washing, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.  Also, you can not take your coolers onto the beach but you can place them under the pavilion or under one of the benches along the beach. 

We arrived at the park a little after 10 a.m. and didn't leave until 3.  Between the swimming, shell hunting, and catfish sitings, the kids tuckered out and fell asleep on the car ride home! It was an excellent day trip and one that we have been making for years during the summer.  On the drive home it got me to thinking, how many state parks are there in Missouri? What do they all have to offer? Well, here is what I learned after some digging around: 

There are 50 state parks in Missouri, all of the details of everyone of them can be found at http://mostateparks.com/

These parks offer so much more than just hiking and fishing!  Between the historical sites, nature trails, and unlimited breath taking views of our beautiful state - the possibilities are endless!  The best part - it's an inexpensive way to create treasured memories for everyone.

Now, taking the heat into consideration, swimming is highly recommended! Once our wonderful heatwave has expired, we will surely set off to another state park for more family fun :)

Deals of the day:

Check out Coupon Divas on Facebook - like their page and you will get updates on everything from coupons to freebies!  I found these ladies a couple weeks ago but didn't have a chance to really check out the site until today, I've already scored free samples from Eucerin and Cheerios plus tons of coupons.

FREEBIES:

July 20th

The ARCH radio street team and Chick-fil-A will be making an appearance at the Manchester Goodwill store on July 20. They will be giving away free chicken sandwiches and radio station prizes from noon to 1 p.m. In addition, anyone who brings a donation to any metro Goodwill on a Tuesday or Wednesday in July, will receive a coupon for a free Chick-Fil-A chicken sandwich. Donating to Goodwill has never been so delicious!

A Great Site for StL Bargain Hunters

Fox 2 news in St. Louis has an awesome webpage! There are several areas on the site that can be very helpful to us bargain hunters and mums. One of my favorite sections is dedicated to StL yard sales! Check it out here:http://www.fox2now.com/lifestyle/yardsale/

Also, Margie's Money Savers is a wonderful way to keep up to date on great bargains, today's bargain- 99 photo prints for $0.99 from Snapfish plus shipping (under $6)! Must enter code JULYPENNY99. 

So head over and sign up to keep all the deals rolling to your inbox! http://www.fox2now.com/

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today is my birthday!! Not nearly as excited as I was in my younger years, but it is kinda nice to hear from so many wonderful people who are thinking of you.  Makes me feel so loved!

So I decided against a birthday party this year, I have never been a big fan of celebrating my own birthday. Mainly because I am the party planner in my family, my husband is a trucker with little to no idea on where to even start planning events, and everyone else has so much going on I would feel horrible if they even attempted it! I prefer the small intimate family celebrations, just me, the hubbs, and the kiddos.  Take out, movie night, and a homemade birthday cake.  Simple and way more enjoyable than feeding a ton of people and cleaning up a huge mess afterwards.  Leave the big parties for the kids and holidays!

Still - what are the best thrifty ways to plan a birthday celebration? One way is to make everything that you can! Decorations can get pricey especially if you are throwing a celebration for a child.  Everything from banners, treat bags, balloons, tablecloths, plates, etc.  Here are a few of thrifty ways to prepare for your next birthday bash:

1. Save everything you can from previous parties. This includes gift bags and tissue paper.  If it's salvageable, stick it in a plastic tote and mark it "birthday supplies".

2. Shop around online for those special decorative items that can sometimes cost a pretty penny.  Ebay, Amazon, and even Craigslist all are great places to start for new or gently used items that might be hard to find.  Don't forget the dollar stores! Helium balloons, solid colored tablecloths, small favors for goodie bags - just watch your dollars and make a list of items you need before going and tossing everything into your cart.

3. Make everything you can! Make the birthday cake - great recipes can be found online along with creative decorating tips. Make birthday banners out of fabric swatches using liquid stitch (fabric glue) to attach letters and other embellishments. Centerpieces are another easy task that can be made with items you already have laying around the house with a little creative thinking, the possibilities are endless!

4. Food - to cook or not to cook? I usually opt to cook! But the key is to keep it simple, healthy, and fast! Fruit & veggie trays are always a big hit, dollar roll sandwiches and pasta are other inexpensive ways to feed a large number of people, and cupcakes! Cupcakes can pull double duty as a decoration in the center of a table or even by letting the kiddos decorate their own!

5. Entertainment can be the most expensive part of any party.  Depending on the age and theme, you may want a clown or a rock band! My best advice is to ask family and friends first. Thankfully, we have some very talented and eccentric friends who have done everything from bake cakes to act like pirates at our kids' birthday bashes. Same goes for the band, although a live band at a party has become rare, it's more affordable if you know where to look.  We have a youth group at our church that performs all over or community and these teens are really good! We simply make a donation for their performance and they show up and play everything from oldies to hip hop. DJs usually have set prices and time requirements, the best way to score a great deal is to know one or someone who does!

Great websites for more party planing tips:


www.birthdaypartyideas.com
www.stlbirthday.com


Deals of the Day:

Freebies:

www.totallyfreestuff.com

Grocery deals:

Aldis
1 lb strawberries 0.89
Cantaloupe 0.99 ea
Plums 0.25 ea

Schnucks
Dannon Greek yogurt $1 ea
Quaker Quakes Rice Snacks $1ea
Kiwi 3 for $1

Events:

Jungle Boogie @ StL ZOO
July 8th 5-8pm
free
www.stlzoo.org

ToyMan Toy Show @ Machinist Hall in St Charles
July 10th 9-2pm
cost $4
www.toymanshow.com

Happy Independence Day! Looking for last minute fireworks displays?

Wanted to take a minute this morning and wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July! Here are a few ideas for the last minute planners looking for awesome firework displays tonight:

Fair St Louis - rain canceled yesterdays events and fireworks, but the weather looks to be improving for tonight!

Webster Groves Community Days - events are ongoing rain or shine all day - carnival rides, food, games and fireworks tonight!

A few deals this holiday:

"like" the Canvas People on facebook to receive a free 8x10 canvas print - pay shipping only - or get up to $50 off any of their other sizes!

My Publisher:
B1G1 on scrapbook pages, get 2 for 1, or 50% off pages - enter code SUMMERBOGO at checkout

http://scrapbook.mypublisher.com/

Partylite:
Candle lovers will love this deal - $4 for a box of tealights in any scent and unlimited quanities!! Today only - www.partylite.biz/jennsgotcandles
My personal consultant - Jennifer Payne - will be happy to help you with your order!

Okay - more deals coming soon along with lots of new craft ideas, thrifty beauty tips, and big time savings at the grocery store! Have a wonderful holiday!

FREE Kids Eye Screening & Where to Score FREE Toothbrushes!!

It has been a busy holiday weekend, but there is always time to check out the great deals offered, right? ABSOLUTELY! Make sure you have picked up your copies of today's Sunday paper and check out the deals below.

Deals of the Day:

Freebies:

Free children's vision screening July 8th @ the Science Center from 9:30 - 4:30pm. Offered by the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation
www.mlerf.org

WAGS
2 Oral B Indicator toothbrushes for $2 + use the $2 off MNFC in the Sunday paper = FREE!! Walgreens will allow 4 toothbrushes at the sale price, just make sure you have two of the MNFC, so buy 2 papers of ask family and friends for their unused coupon inserts!

Crest 3D Whitestrips - $10 off SC + $5 MNFC = $15 savings

Herbal or Aussie Hair care on sale $3, buy any Herbal or Assie Styler and use $3 MNFC example; Buy Herbal Essences Shampoo and get Herbal Essences Hair Spray $3 off

Nice'n Easy Color blend foam $7.99 - $3 MNFC = $4.99 and receive $1 RR good on next visit

Crest Rinse $3.99 - $.75 MNFC = $3.24 and receive $1 RR good on next visit

CVS
Always Infinity 14 ct on sale $2.99 + use .50 MNFC = $2.49

B1G1 Edy's Ice Cream

Buy 1 Febreeze Fabric Freshner get 1 free Febreeze Air Effects w/ MNFC

Gillette Body Wash $3 + use $1 MNFC = $2

Tampax Pearl 18-20ct $3.99 + $1 MNFC = $2.99 + $2 in extrabucks good to use on other purchases in your cart!

Events:

Fair St Louis - two days left to celebrate! Fireworks tonight @ 9:15 & tomorrow the grand finale!

Thursdays @ The Intersection July 7th
when: every Thursday through August 25th @ 6pm-10pm
where: Strauss Park
description: Free live music and outdoor movie showings
cost: FREE
www.grandcenter.org

Comedy Hypnosis Show
when: July 8th
where: Stratford Inn Ballroom Fenton MO
description: Watch as Hypnotist Keith hypnotizes your friends or maybe even you!
cost: $7.50
www.thehypnotistkeith.com/tickets.html

Even a Thrifty Mummy has Obstacles!

After a rather unpleasant 4 days of non-working internet service, I am pleased to announce this thrifty mummy is back in action!


I had set a few goals for myself before starting this blog, a big one was to post something everyday.  Thanks to some technical issues I am several days behind and may very well just post multiple times over this holiday weekend to get caught up! 

Before getting to the Deals & Events around town, I wanted to share a few tid bits that were reinforced during my internet blackout;

1. Keep a "thrifty journal" in your purse.  I had a ton of errands I ran this week and spotted some awesome deals I was glad to jot down.  I use the notepad on my cell phone so I never have to worry about finding something to write with - pens grow legs and run away from me for some reason...

2. Facebook is a great way to score free samples and local deals.  Simply "like" pages of your favorite products and you can score everything from coupons to freebies and even contest where being creative really pays.  I missed several give aways this week :(

3. Ask your friends!  I am blessed to have friends all over and sometimes a friend in Arizona will know about a new thrifty trend before we ever get wind of it here. 

4. Find out when bulk pick up is in your area.  Just out driving around the other day I found a Little Tikes playset in almost perfect condition set out for bulk pickup.  Heck, I once found two wicker chairs and the lady who set them out ran me the cushions that went with them!  She hadn't set them out w/ the chairs because she had considered reusing them on another piece, but when she saw me and we chatted a minute she offered them!

Just a few things I had to share!  One other I wanted to show today was my receipt from WAG:

I highlighted the coupon amounts, my total, as well as the amounts I saved.  All the coupons I used were from last weeks Sunday paper and I ended up saving $25.88 between SC/MNFC/Sale items! No, not extreme coupon worthy but yes, I saved $25.88 on items we needed this week! Plus - $5 register rewards coupon printed so it was like only spending $20.88!

I will be uploading photos from our weekend crafts soon and tomorrow I will have all the latest couponing deals lined up and ready for you!

On to our DEALS of the DAY:

Freebies:

Bowl for free @ any Brunswick Bowling Alley
7/1-7/4
description: Everyone gets 1 free game each day through the holiday weekend!
www.brunswickzone.com

Kids eat Free @ Bellacino's Pizza & Grinders
Sunday - Wens

www.hamptonbellacinos.com

Yard Sales:

The Garage - indoor style flea market @ the Lemp Brewery
every Saturday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
www.thegaragestl.com

Plan ahead for this one! St Joan of Arc Flea Market
Saturday 7/9 & 7/10 5821 Pernod off Hampton Ave - enter through the parking lot

Deals:

Old Navy Summer Styles starting at $5 now through the 4th

Like "Tiny Prints" on Facebook and send a free card to our troops - make sure to follow their instructions on where to enter their address - great way to show support for our troops this Independence Day.

Check out these links for deals updated daily;
http;//stlo.stlouuisdeals.com

www.stlouis.halfoffdeals.com


Events:

JB Blast
what: Fireworks, music, food
where: Jefferson Barracks Park
when: 7/1 events starting at 7pm - ending after fireworks which begin at 9pm
cost: FREE

Rockin on the Landing
what: live music along the Mississippi River Front
where: Laclede's Landing in Downtown St Louis
when: 7/2 - 7/4
cost: FREE

VP Parade
what: annual Veiled Prophet parade through downtown St. Louis
where: Parade begins on N 4th Street and turns onto Market St ending at 20th street
when: 7/2 @ 10 am
cost: FREE

To checkout all the events Downtown this Holiday weekend visit www.celebratestlouis.org

Sweepstakes & Contest:

Ultimate iCarly Insider Sweepstakes
http://ads.nick.com/sponsors/2011/hp/veer/

Win a Mega George Foreman Grill
www.tnpride.com

Photo Contest - a great site for all the latest competitions
www.photocompete.com

For us writers out there:
www.writersdigest.com/competitions
www.writingcontest.thenovelette.com/